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Biden hires former Harris aide to help with Latino outreach

ALEXANDRA JAFFE, Associated Press
Published 6:21 a.m. ET May 19, 2020

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Coronavirus fears forced Joe Biden to cancel a campaign rally in Ohio after his primary wins Tuesday. Instead, he spoke in Philadelphia and called for unity in defeating Donald Trump.
Delaware News Journal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden's presidential campaign is bringing on the granddaughter of civil rights leader César Chávez as a senior adviser to help with Latino outreach and building out its operation in the states.

Some Latino leaders have criticized the Biden campaign, saying it's not doing enough to reach out to the key demographic group.

Chavez Rodriguez previously worked as co-national political director on California Sen. Kamala Harris's presidential campaign and was her California state director before that.

She also served in the Obama administration, overseeing the White House's engagement with LGBT, Latino, veteran, youth, education, labor and progressive leaders.

In this March 3, 2020, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at a primary election night campaign rally in Los Angeles. Biden would have to do more than select a Latina running mate to win over Hispanics whose support could be crucial to winning the presidency, according to activists who are warning the presumptive Democratic nominee not to take their community for granted.(Photo: Chris Carlson, AP)

She's joining Cristóbal Alex, a former president of the Latino Victory Fund, who serves as Biden's senior adviser for issues involving Hispanic voters.

Biden is viewed with skepticism by some Latinos for his ties to deportation policies during the Obama administration. He struggled with Latino outreach throughout the Democratic presidential primary, facing pro-immigration protesters, and last November his most senior Latina aide quit the campaign after reportedly raising concerns that the campaign hadn't focused enough on Latino voters.

But the Biden campaign has ramped up its outreach to Latinos in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Biden held an online event with the League of United Latin American Citizens at which he focused on the poor conditions experienced by workers at meatpacking plants, many of whom, he noted, are black or Latino.

Joe Biden (30) scored the winning touchdown in his final game to secure an undefeated season at Archmere in 1960. "The most talented receiver I ever had," said his coach John Walsh, right. Photo courtesy John Walsh

Joe Biden visits with his sons, Beau (lying) and Hunter in their Delaware hospital room. Days before Biden lost his wife, Neilia, and baby daughter, Naomi, in a car crash that left his sons badly injured. Dec. 27, 1972 News Journal File

After the accident that killed his wife and daughter, Joe Biden had to be convinced to take his place as a U.S. senator. He is sworn in on Jan. 3, 1973, from the hospital room of his sons Beau, shown, and Hunter. News Journal File

Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) holds his daughter, Ashley, while taking a re-enacted oath of office from Vice President George Bush during a ceremony on Capitol Hill in WashingtonJan. 3, 1985 as his sons Beau, foreground, and Hunter hold the bible. AP Photo/Lana Harris

After winning the attorney general race in 2006, Beau Biden makes his acceptance speech with his father, Joe Biden, in his room at a Wilmington hotel. Beau Biden, the eldest son of the vice president, died May 30, 2015, after battling brain cancer. Fred Comegys/The News Journal

August 2008: Sen. Joe Biden says good-bye to his family members before leaving his home headed for the airport as he's chosen as Barack Obama's running mate on Aug. 23. The News Journal/SUCHAT PEDERSON,

A crowd of residents joined the media outside Biden's Greenville home after Obama announced him as his running mate. The Hutt family from Newark, Del. (Michael, 8, mom Beth, dad Eric, Gideon, 3, and David, 1, wait to catch a glimpse of Biden as he left for Springfield, Ill.
The News Journal/SUCHAT PEDERSON, The News Journal/SUCHAT PEDERSON

Joe Biden leapt onto the stage in Springfield, Ill., in shirtsleeves after Obama introduced him as "the next vice president of the United States." Thousands crowded the Old State Capitol, some standing on benches and garbage cans. AP

DENVER - AUGUST 27: U.S. Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) raises his arms during day three of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the Pepsi Center August 27, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will be officially be nominated as the Democratic candidate for U.S. president on the last day of the four-day convention. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) John Moore, Getty Images

Biden, who rode Amtrak to Washington for more than 35 years, greets porter Keith Lewis at the Wilmington Station on Aug. 25, 2008. He boarded the train that began his journey to Denver and the Democratic National Convention. The News Journal/Ron Soliman

Vice President-elect Joe Biden goes over his speech as his wife, Jill, looks on as they head to Washington on Jan. 15, 2009, for his last day at the Senate. The News Journal/SUCHAT PEDERSON, The News Journal/SUCHAT PEDERSON

Vice President-elect Joe Biden gives an interview in his senate office at the Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 15, 2009, his last day as a senator. The News Journal/SUCHAT PEDERSON, The News Journal/SUCHAT PEDERSON

Joe Cool? As Obama's sidekick, Biden -- the perpetually tanned politician with his big, Hollywood smile with sparkling white teeth and tasteful wardrobe -- became a popular figure on the cultural landscape. AP

Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama wave to the delegates at the conclusion of Presdident Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. on Sept. 6, 2012. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

The Biden family gathers as Beau Biden's casket is brought into St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington on June 6. Biden spent his time as Delaware attorney general making the protection of the state's children a priority. KYLE GRANTHAM/THE NEWS JOURNAL

Vice President Joe Biden composes himself as the casket of his son, Beau Biden, is placed in a hearse at the conclusion of his funeral at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in Wilmington June 6, 2015. WILLIAM BRETZGER/THE NEWS JOURNAL

Vice President Joe Biden shares a hug with President Barack Obama after Obama eulogized Biden's son, Beau, during the funeral for Beau Biden at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in Wilmington, June 6, 2015. WILLIAM BRETZGER/THE NEWS JOURNAL

His campaign is reportedly working on a multimillion-dollar outreach plan focused on Latino men. And this month, Biden also spoke with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as she was named to a unity task force aimed at bridging the gap between Biden and Sanders supporters.